Page 195 - Harnessing the Strengths

178 ■ Appendix: Meet the Authors

universal, but the way in which people from different
cultures deal with this is completely different. It con-
tinues to be a challenge to fi nd a solution that brings
the various points of view together in such a way that
the end result is even better than could have been
thought of with either extreme. By making this con-
nection, this reconciliation, you create new things.
Ed: I completely agree with you there, Fons. Above all,
what attracts me in servant-leadership is the con-
necting power. This view can build bridges between
people with totally different backgrounds and ideas.
Whereas religion in such a situation can act as a
divider, because it focuses on the differences, servant-
leadership acts as a binder, looking at what people
have in common. Listening and being receptive to
others are therefore fundamental concepts.
Fons: What have you noticed in your practice?
Ed: During my last trip to China, it became very clear
that preparation and putting yourself in the others’
shoes are becoming increasingly important for entre-
preneurs in the international market. Without this
knowledge, misunderstandings easily pop up when
you, as a Westerner, do business with your Chinese
business partner. This is also why the Chinese have
no idea why Americans bring a whole slew of law-
yers to the fi rst meetings. In their opinion, this is the
wrong order, since they must fi rst make sure there
is nothing wrong with the Qing and Li before going
further. In order to be able to deal with people in
ways that are acceptable to them, you must be able
to put yourself in their shoes. Is that something you
recognize?